Marine propulsion apparatus for spacecraft



1966 w. G. HOKETT MARINE PROPULSION APPARATUS FOR SPACECRAFT Filed Sept. 26, 1963 NOE INVENTOR= United States Patent O 3,265,328 MARINE PROPULSION APPARATUS FOR SPACECRAFT William G. Hokett, 2322 N. 9th St., Phoenix, Ariz. Filed Sept. 26, 1963, Ser. No. 311,920 1 Claim. (Cl. 244-1) This invention is concerned with an improvement to be made on spacecraft. The spacecraft concerned are those now in use by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The improvement is specifically: A compact self-sufficient reentry system for propelling and guiding a spacecraft in water after a landing.

FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings show the specific placement of my invention when applied to the Gemini-Agena spacecraft set, and shows a reentry system for in-water propulsion and guidance of spacecraft.

Formerly, when a capsule was set down in the water, outside help was needed to recover it and its passengers and bring them to safety. This was a difiicult and dangerous process involving many men and much equipment. It has occurred to me that if a capsule could land and seek out its home base by its own means, it would be a step in the right direction towards the practical use of this type of spacecraft. But this does not mean that this invention should be confined to use by spacecraft. Its uses could vary widely. This device could be used on automobiles, military vehicles, private aircraft, and various kinds of sporting equipment. Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a compact device for occasional water travel.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of my invention with sections removed to add clarity.

FIG. 2 is a top view with sections removed in accordance with the arrows marked 22 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the rudder control handle with sections removed in accordance with the arrows marked 33 in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings, I will begin to explain the operation of this invention. After the craft has landed in the water and the position attained by natural bouyancy principles (ballast may have to be added to do this), the hatch 8 is removed by means of explosive rivets. Next the frame 9 and all attached parts are extended outward into the water by means of hydraulic fluid from the reservoir 10, put under pressure by a pump 11 and pushed through hydraulic hoses to the chamber between the internal 13 and the external 14 propellor shafts. This pressure causes the shaft 13 to extend itself outward, taking with it the frame 9 and attached parts. Once in position, the propeller rotation will move the spacecraft forward. This system can be powered by any number of compact powerplants. The one in the drawings is a conventional type of electrical motor operated otf the crafts electrical system. The rotation of the motor shaft is transmitted from the motor ice pulley 15 to the external propeller shaft pulley 16 by a belt 17. This, in turn, rotates the external propeller shaft 14 which is connected to the internal propeller shaft by means of a keyway and mating key running the length of the .two shafts 13 and 14. A common four blade propeller 18 is connected to the internal shaft 13 by a pin through the small rod extending into the internal shaft and through the internal propeller shaft 13.

Steering is provided for by a control handle 19 which moves either right or left depending on the change of direction desired. This left or right motion activates two attached hydraulic cylinders. A desired left turn would require pressure toward the pilots left which would activate the right hand cylinder 20 and push fluid into another cylinder 21 on the rudder 24, which is mounted just in back of the propeller 18. The pressure of this fluid would cause the rudder 24 to pivot and turn the craft. A similar set of cylinders 22 and 23 would operate in the same manner causing the ship to turn right.

What is claimed is:

A spacecraft reentry vehicle comprising a marine propulsion apparatus for said spacecraft after the landing of said craft on a body of water, said apparatus comprising means for removing the hatch of said craft by explosive detaching means, means for outwardly extending a frame member from within the craft into the water, said member comprising rotatable propeller means for applying a substantially horizontal driving force to said craft, and means for steering said craft, said steering means comprising a control handle adapted to be moved to the right or left if any change in the direction of motion of said craft is desired.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 578,879 3/1897 Johannsen -41 X 1,823,735 9/1931 Glasby. 2,151,004 3/1939 Barclay 244-50 2,181,574 11/1939 Burnelli 244-50 3,010,424 11/1961 Peterson et al. 115-41 3,030,910 4/1962 Alsager 11541 3,076,428 2/1963 Shipley 11541 3,093,346 6/1963 Faget et a1. 2441 FOREIGN PATENTS 793,410 4/ 1958 Great Britain.

OTHER REFERENCES Astronautics, June 1961, pages 32, 33, 44, 46. Aviation Week and Space Technology, July 23, 1962, pages 40-44.

FERGUS S. MIDDLETON, Primary Examiner.

MILTON BUCHLER, Examiner.

G. P. EDGELL, Assistant Examiner. 

